An Saighdiur shows plenty of dash

The Listed Cork Stakes was the feature on the card and An Saighdiur put in a sparkling performance in making all with Billy Lee in the plate.

This race saw the seasonal reappearance of Prix De L’Abbaye hero Maarek who was running for Evanna McCutcheon (starting out as a trainer this season).

The seven-year-old, with top weight of 10 stone, was well backed in the ring from 15/8 to 11/8 favouritism, but he didn’t get involved at the business end as he raced in eighth and finished seventh.

Billy Lee and An Saighdiur bounced out quickly from gate 10 and utilised the rail as they gave their nine rivals a toe from the front. Inside the final furlong they opened up for a five-length victory at 12/1.

“I thought he should have won at York, but he was cut off everywhere and I thought coming here he should be rated 105. He’s a big galloping horse that wants soft ground. Jumping out and bowling along is the way to ride him,” handler Andrew Slattery reported.

“He got blocked in the Ayr Silver Cup last year, but the Ayr Gold Cup is definitely on the agenda now as he’ll get in. He’ll go to Royal Ascot if the ground is soft. There aren’t many races before Royal Ascot for him so he’ll maybe go for the Paddy Power at the Curragh.

“He would idle in front before, but we’ve worked him at the front and have straightened him out. He’s a fitter and better horse this year.” Scream Blue Murder (5/1) and Remember You (14/1) were the placed horses in second and third respectively.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes